Home Blog Exploring the Pros and Cons of Oval Diamonds

Nothing makes an impression like a diamond; other jewels might be impressive, but there is something unique about a diamond that is classy and brilliant.

People continue to be drawn to diamonds of various clarity, color, carats, and cuts because of this indescribable quality. This includes diamonds with oval cuts and symmetrical gems that sparkle and are charming. Oval-cut diamonds are stylish and sophisticated. 

At V. Jayantilal & Co., we offer a huge range of GIA-certified diamonds to all our clients in need, including a wide selection of oval-cut options. 

Before adding one to your anniversary necklace or engagement ring, what exactly should you think about? This guide will walk you through the basics and explore the pros and cons of oval diamonds to ensure your diamond is one you’ll treasure forever.  

What is an Oval Diamond?

The oval-cut diamond was created in the early 1960's by Lazare Kaplan. Despite having a more elongated shape and some similarities to the round diamond, the oval can appear larger than its actual carat weight. 

The elongation of an oval-shaped diamond is what allows an oval to appear larger than its actual weight and it's the reason why many lean towards oval-cut diamond engagement rings. 

Pros and Cons of Oval Diamond

Pros of Oval Diamond

There are many advantages of oval shaping diamonds, here are the main benefits:

More Affordable

You may get a larger diamond for your budget since an oval-cut diamond will be less expensive than a round-cut diamond same carat and clarity. Up to 30% less money might be spent on an oval-cut diamond than on a round diamond. 

If you like a setting with a large diamond, an oval-cut diamond is a fantastic cheap alternative since its larger surface area makes it appear larger than a round cut of the same size.

Also Read: Setting the Stage: Discover the Perfect Oval Diamond Ring Setting

More Sparkle

A diamond’s sparkle and brilliance are determined by the way it is cut, and the oval cut is one of the brightest cuts of all. When you choose a ring with an oval-cut center stone, you are guaranteed a brilliant sparkle on your finger.

Slimming Effect on Fingers

If you are searching for a slimming effect, the oval form of the diamond can make a woman’s fingers seem longer and slimmer. Always try different-shaped stones before making your pick to ensure the form of your ring matches your finger.

Doesn’t Catch or Scratch

There are no sharp corners on an oval cut diamond, so it is great practical wear for every day. Any diamond with angular edges is likely to snag on objects as you go about your daily business, increasing the chance that the prongs holding the stone in place will shatter. The prongs of an oval diamond are much less prone to shatter than those of a square-cut diamond.

Your Choice of Settings

Not only is the oval-cut diamond a more original choice in itself, but you can also choose from a variety of settings. You can choose between a 4-prong, 6-prong, or bezel setting for an oval-cut stone. Due to the oval shape of the diamond's design, which makes it less prone to catch, a four-prong setting can be sufficient to keep the diamond secure. 

Although a smaller diamond may be overshadowed by the additional metal, the six-prong setting does give the added protection of a secure grip. Alternately, a bezel setting is a strip of metal encircling the stone and holding it securely in place.

A Larger-Looking Diamond

Oval-cut diamonds are a fantastic deal since they produce a stone that appears bigger than it actually is. This is so that we can trace the longest lines of an oval with our eyes and measure it from top to bottom. 

In terms of actual size, an oval diamond is cut shallower than a round diamond, which means that it has more surface area, sometimes up to 10% than a round diamond.

A Brilliant-Cut

The pros and cons of oval diamond is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a brilliant diamond because of its famed brightness and exceptional light performance. The oval cuts' faceting structure and alignment, which improves light contact, are the cause of this. Similar to the round brilliant, the oval cut features 58 carefully placed facets all over its surface.

A Unique Shape

The oval cut is a great choice if you're looking for a traditional diamond with a distinctive twist. The oval cut has a conventionally round appearance, but its elongated shape is unique.

Elongates Your Fingers

Due to the oval cut's lengthier form, which gives the appearance of longer fingers, the wearer's fingers tend to seem thin and long. For brides with short or wide fingers, the oval is an excellent option when set vertically.

Good at hiding color and flaws

One of the benefits of oval shape diamond is its ability to hide flaws, thanks to its brilliant facets. With the oval cut, you can go lower on the clarity and color scales than you would be able to with the majority of other diamond cuts because of its forgiving nature. 

We advise lowering the value for clarity to SI1 or SI2 for the best result, and for color, try lowering the value to H or even I. Remember not to go based on grading alone, but check out each diamond individually before you buy an oval diamond.

Also Read: The Ultimate Oval Diamond Buying Guide: Expert Tips and Advice

No sharp corners

The absence of sharp corners that may catch on things or cause harm is one of the finest features of rounded diamond shapes. Only the oval, cushion, and round diamond forms are included in this group.

This can seem like a minor point, but it has an impact on the diamond's overall longevity and the available setting possibilities. It is simpler to care for and keep an oval diamond since it needs less protection than, say a princess, marquise, or a pear.

Versatile with many design options

The oval diamond comes in a few distinct configurations, depending on the length-to-width ratio that you pick. You now have more options for looks and versatility. While the most frequent length-to-width ratio for oval diamonds is about 1.45, this figure may range from 1.33 (a broader oval) to 1.66 (a narrower oval). The most conventional oval cuts fall within this range, whereas those that fall outside of it result in thicker and squatter oval, respectively.

Because of the oval shape, you can also choose different orientations, from diagonal to horizontal placement of the diamond. These options are not available with a round or princess cut because these shapes are the same from all angles.

Cons of Oval Diamond

Despite the oval cut diamond's many benefits, there are a few significant drawbacks to be aware of These include:

Bow tie effect

When the cut of the stone prevents light from reflecting back from the center, bowties form. This frequently results from mismatched facets. Now, a little bit of bow tie can enhance the elegance and definition of your diamond's appearance, but it shouldn't be overdone. All oval cuts have some degree of bowtie, but if it’s the first thing you notice when you look at your diamond, it’s best to opt for a different stone.

Unfortunately, since exotic cuts like oval cuts are not graded by diamond grading laboratories, the only method to determine whether your oval diamond has a good cut is to carefully examine it and see how it responds to light. Since bowties are not included in grading reports, it is important to individually inspect each pros and cons of oval diamond before choosing one.

Shows flaws

The oval cut does tend to highlight any flaws, blemishes, and inclusions within the diamond, so you will need a clarity of VS1 or above and a color of G or above to make the most of your purchase. The good news is that, as oval-cut diamond rings are cheaper than comparable round cuts, you can afford to invest in higher clarity and color.

Symmetry can be off

If the symmetry of the oval cut isn’t perfect, the diamond can look slightly wonky or off-center. Look for mirror images with the same sides. If the stone has been cut inexpertly, it’ll show. This is why it’s not easy to find a beautifully cut oval diamond and you’ll have to spend some time searching before you find the right one.

Conclusion

Overall, the oval cut diamond is an excellent option if you want a larger high-quality stone with plenty of extra sparkle at an affordable price. Take care to assess the color and clarity of your chosen diamond, and you will have a unique spectacular diamond ring. Ultimately, choose a diamond you love. An oval-cut diamond may be worth the extra money if its long form and sparkling pattern make you swoon. At V. Jayantilal & co., we ensure that each of our diamond alternatives outshines in terms of color and clarity.

The Ultimate Oval Diamond Buying Guide: Expert Tips and Advice

An oval-cut diamond provides outstanding brilliance, durability, and style.  However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the ‘bow tie effect’ in oval diamonds, a potential dark area in the diamond’s center.

You will receive the greatest oval-cut diamond for your money if you adhere to the suggestions we have provided in this post. Oval diamonds seem bigger than their true carat weight and can cost less than round diamonds because of their peculiar form and unique combination of traditional round brilliance. Their extended shape gives conventional diamond cuts a contemporary twist in addition to improving the attractiveness of the finger. Everything you need to know will be covered in this post to help you choose the ideal oval diamond buying guide for your desired style.

What are Oval Diamonds?

A diamond with an oval cut is magnificent and one of a kind, bursting with fire and sparkle. The oval is a "fancy" form that seems bigger than other shapes of the same carat weight due to its elongated design. The oval diamond's thin body gives it an extended appearance. It gives the hand and fingers a thinner appearance. The diamond is less likely to chip as it doesn't have any sharp corners. An oval diamond is a great alternative if you like round designs but want a stone with more personality. Additionally, oval diamonds often cost less than round brilliants.

Also Read: Discover the Timeless Beauty of Oval Diamonds

Consideration to look for when shopping for oval diamond

Length and Width Ratio

Oval diamonds with a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.50 are regarded as ideal. Most websites will perform the calculation for you, but it is done by dividing the diamond's length by its width. 

Avoid exceeding the 1.50 ratio to avoid having a skinny-looking stone that will reduce the stone's luster. Avoid stones below the 1.35 L/W ratio as well, since they will seem stubby.

Whether one chooses a longer or rounder appearance depends on personal choice. You may view examples of completed rings at the following website. Use this to contrast the appearance of a mounted rounder or longer oval diamond.

Cut and Brilliance

The beauty of an oval-cut diamond is subjective. An oval diamond’s table and depth % influence its brilliance, or how brightly it glows and sparkles. The table is the flat surface on top of the diamond, and the depth represents the thickness of the diamond.

Oval diamonds with an ideal cut will have a depth percentage of 57 to 63% and a table percentage of 53 to 63%. The table percentage calculates how big the table is in relation to the diamond's overall top surface.

Look at the Measurement and not just at the Carat Weight

Remember that carats measure weight and not size. When you are just beginning your search for an oval-cut diamond, using carat weight is a good and simple way to narrow down your choices. However, as you become a bit more savvy and are closer to making an actual purchase, you want to compare the sizes of the diamonds you are considering by looking at their measurements.

However, you always want to take a second look to make sure that the diamond you are selecting as your final choice has measurements that are average to above average for its carat weight. 

Bow Tie Effect

Remember that carats measure weight and not size. When you are just beginning your search for an oval-cut diamond, using carat weight is a good and simple way to narrow down your choices. However, as you become a bit more savvy and are closer to making an actual purchase, you want to compare the sizes of the diamonds you are considering by looking at their measurements.

However, you always want to take a second look to make sure that the diamond you are selecting as your final choice has measurements that are average to above average for its carat weight. 

The Best Diamond Color and Clarity Grade

Oval diamonds are good at hiding color because of their cut. Due to its outstanding faceting pattern, you may dip down on the color spectrum and still have a gorgeous diamond. If you don’t have a specific budget, then the D-G colorless grades are one of the best possibilities. The less color a diamond has, the better; the D-G colorless grades have amazing fire and brilliance. However, you have additional choices, such as diamonds in the colors M, H, and K.

As a result, you can easily find a stunning oval-cut diamond without having to choose a high-clarity diamond. Diamonds with high-clarity grades are much more expensive than low-clarity ones. Therefore, you can easily save some money by moving lower on the grade of clarity without compromising on the magnificence of the stone.

Pay Attention to the Symmetry of the Stone

An oval cut stone must be symmetrical. An oval diamond not only has an identical side but also perfectly rounded edges that gracefully slope towards the ends. One of the biggest concerns with an oval-cut diamond is that even the slightest amount of disproportion is extremely visible. One of the best oval diamond buying guides is to purchase it from a well-known expert, as it takes a very high amount of skill to craft out a perfectly symmetrical shape.

The Best Setting for an Oval Diamond Buying Guide

Due to their adaptability, oval-cut diamonds may be used in virtually any setting.

In order to effectively display the form of an oval-cut diamond, settings should often contain four or six prongs. Bezel settings for oval-cut diamonds may also look stunning. Certain oval diamond engagement rings, especially those with three or five stones, have four or six prongs for the center stone in addition to a bezel setting to hold the side stones.

An oval-cut diamond ring may be created in practically any setting, from vintage to side stone, in terms of fashion. But in certain fashions, oval diamonds appear very stunning. The ideal settings are shown below, along with ideas for engagement rings (you may mix the oval with even more styles when creating your own engagement ring).

Halo Settings:

A sparkling halo of small diamonds makes an oval cut radiate even more. No matter the carat weight, the Oval diamond halo engagement ring is very distinctive.

Solitaire Settings:

The classic, simple style of a solitaire setting lets the oval take center stage. A solitaire ring never goes out of style, whether it is made of rose gold or yellow gold.

Side-Stone Settings:

The extra sparkle elevates the oval shape, whether it's an oval-shaped ring with three stones or a setting with many stones.

Pave Settings:

Any oval-cut diamond is given more personality and shine by a pavé ring. The designs range from twisted bands to pavé oval diamond rings in the form of solitaires.

Pros of Oval Diamond

Let's look at some of the explanations for why so many people favor oval-cut diamonds.

High brilliance and sparkle

The oval cut is among the brightest cuts available and one of the most impressive in terms of brilliance and sparkle.

An Elegant Shape

The oval-cut diamond's long shape makes for an elegant-looking ring as well as slimming effects on the wearer's fingers.

More Affordable

The oval diamond is an excellent choice if you are looking for a stunning diamond at an affordable price range along with a high level of brilliance and sparkle.

Cons of Oval Diamond

Although the oval cut is one of my favorites, there are a couple of drawbacks you should be aware of.

The ‘Bow tie’ effect

Light is not spread evenly inside an oval diamond because of its interior cut. As a result, the stone's center may take on the appearance of a bow tie.

Even though these "bow ties" are typically quite subtle, they are present in most oval-cut diamonds, so it is important to make sure that they won't be a problem for you before making a purchase.

Shows more flaws

When it comes to faults, blemishes, and inclusions, oval-cut diamonds are less forgiving than round-cut diamonds, so you'll need to spend more money on a stone with a better clarity grade. Fortunately, you may spend more of your cash on a diamond with better clarity because the oval diamond is less expensive.

Conclusion

The oval-cut diamond's curving form and lack of sharp edges make it ideal for people who lead active lives. A beautiful oval diamond with a lot of sparkle and fire also has a particular personality. If you want a beautiful style with a distinctive flare and outstanding durability, think about buying an oval-cut diamond.

If you’re looking to purchase an oval-cut diamond, V. Jayantilal & Co. is the best company to buy oval-cut diamonds at an affordable price.

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